Antibiotics for streptococcal infections. How to treat a streptococcal infection and how to diagnose it? Diseases caused by streptococci

Streptococcus in the blood is a common occurrence. It occurs at any age, regardless of the type of human activity. The penetration of bacteria into the body occurs under the influence of certain factors. This entails the development of serious diseases, with damage to the main organs and systems.

is a pathogenic microorganism that is found in the normal human microflora. Under the influence of certain factors, it is reborn. This process entails the defeat of many organs and systems of the body.

The intensity of exposure depends on the number of microbes in the body and the state of the immune system.

When streptococcus is found in the blood, it is worth assuming its intensive distribution. In most cases, the bacterium settles on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, respiratory and urinary tract.

Active reproduction of microorganisms occurs in the intestine. For a long time, microbes do not manifest themselves in any way. As soon as the body weakens, the first symptoms appear.

Not all varieties of streptococcus are dangerous to humans.

There are several varieties of bacteria, and not all of them are dangerous to humans. Many are beneficial and help the immune system fight off viruses and infectious diseases.

The presence of bacteria in the body is normal process, he should not be afraid. If a person has strong immunity, and he carefully observes all the rules of hygiene, the risk of developing adverse effects, minimal.

Experts identify three streptococci;

• non-hemolytic.

The most dangerous bacteria are beta-hemolytic streptococci. They are the causative agents of many diseases in the human body. The main routes of transmission are: airborne, sexual, vertical.

A person can become infected through communication with a sick person, the use of some household items, the use of dirty products and sexual intercourse.

The risk of bacteria entering the body increases with a sharp weakening protective functions. This can be provoked by the presence of HIV infection, hypothermia and the presence of diseases. chronic form currents.

The most common diseases caused by streptococcus are:

• erysipelas;
• pharyngitis;
• laryngitis;
• pneumonia;
• urinary infections;
• abscess;
• meningitis.

Streptococcus- an aggressive bacterium that can lead to severe complications, especially in childhood.

Often neglected streptococcal infection leads to dysfunction of the urinary and of cardio-vascular system.

How to recognize the presence of bacteria in the body

How to detect the presence of pathogenic microbes in the body? For this purpose, a blood test for streptococcus is taken. There are several basic methods for identifying microbes. These include: ASLO, standard blood test, serodiagnosis and latex agglutination reaction and ELISA.

ASLO

To diagnose the presence of pathogenic microbes in the body, a blood test for streptococcus is taken.

Exists special procedure called AntiStreptoLysin-O(ASLO). Thanks to it, it is possible to recognize in the body the presence of special antibodies that the immune system produces in response to the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms.

These antibodies are produced by streptococci belonging to groups A, C and G. Penetrating into the human body, they provoke the production of a special chemical. Its purpose is to destroy blood cells.

After the penetration of bacteria into the body, there is a reaction to streptolysin-O. The immune system responds negatively to invading microbes and starts producing antibodies. In the course of a blood test, they are detected. This allows you to confirm the presence of streptococcus in one analysis.

A blood test for streptococcus and staphylococcus is carried out under conditions medical institution. For the study, you will need several milliliters of blood from a vein.

Standard blood test

Bacteria are often tested for venous blood. For this purpose, 5 ml is taken from a vein. The material is then seeded in sugar broth with thioglycol. Incubation of blood occurs at a temperature of 37 degrees for 8 days. If streptococci are found in the blood - what is it? The presence of bacteria is indicated by their intensive growth.

A healthy person will have nothing in the blood. The presence of microbes indicates an infectious lesion of the body.

Method of serodiagnosis

This technique allows you to identify specific antibodies in the blood that are produced immune system in response to the penetration of pathogenic microbes into the body. This diagnostic method is effective and correct.

Latex agglutination reaction and ELISA

The presented method makes it possible to obtain reliable result within minutes. This is a rapid test that is carried out in a hospital setting. The object of research is human blood. An objective result is available 30 minutes after the start of the test.

Pathogenic microorganisms in the blood

The infection enters the body through contact with sick people and non-compliance with hygiene procedures.

The causes of streptococcus in the blood can be varied. In most cases, the infection enters the body through contact with sick children, the use of common objects and non-compliance with hygiene procedures.

Initially, the bacterium penetrates the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, respiratory and genitourinary system, intestines. As it spreads, it is introduced into the upper layers of the epidermis and penetrates deep into.

Prolonged exposure to the mucous membrane leads to a deepening of microbes and their entry into the blood. Symptoms of streptococcus in the blood appear depending on the age of the patient, the number of bacteria and the state of the immune system.

In most cases there is pain, chills, general weakness, body temperature rises and an acute inflammatory process is fixed.

Intensity clinical manifestations depends on the system or organ of the lesion.

The norm of streptococcus and its increase

Normal in a healthy person this indicator should not go beyond 240 units. In India and Korea, the figure of 329 units is considered the norm. Elevated streptococcus in the blood does not pose a danger to the body. The increase in the indicator only indicates the fact that the person has had previous contact with a streptococcal infection.

Special measures for increasing ASLO are not applied. Gradually, this indicator will return to normal on its own. However, this is true if the person does not experience discomfort.

Many experts argue that the treatment of streptococcus in the blood should be mandatory. Enhanced Level ASLO in childhood can lead to the development of complications from the urinary and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, upon discovery high rate streptococcus are assigned additional diagnostic measures.

Low Streptococcus

General weakness and fever - symptoms of pathology

This phenomenon is also possible, it occurs in special occasions. So, low rate bacteria in the blood indicates the fact that the person has no previous contact with a streptococcal infection.

Perhaps there was such a contact, but a lot of time has passed since that moment. In some cases, interaction with pathogenic microorganisms does not lead to an increase in ASLO and the development of unpleasant symptoms.

Why carry out ASLO

This technique allows you to detect the presence of an infection in the body in a person. In most cases, the penetration of bacteria is accompanied by a specific clinical picture. However, it also happens that the symptoms are blurred, and it is impossible to diagnose the disease with certainty. For this purpose, a person undergoes an ASLO study.

Based on the results of the examination and additional diagnostic measures, accurate diagnosis. Based on the data obtained, the specialist prescribes a complex treatment.

How to normalize the level of ASLO

In most cases, this indicator returns to normal on its own. However, if a person suffers from severe clinical manifestations and symptoms of an infectious lesion of the body are fixed, treatment is prescribed.

Medical tactics based on the use of antibiotics penicillin series. They allow you to stop the activity of bacteria and completely destroy it.

The most popular drugs are Azithromycin and Tsiprolet. The duration of therapy is no more than 10 days. As the bacteria is destroyed, the level of ASLO normalizes.

Azithromycin

Streptococcus - dangerous bacterium, which leads to the development unpleasant diseases. It entails a change in natural blood parameters and is the main provocateur of severe complications.

Modern diagnostic measures make it possible to identify pathogenic microorganisms and start them effective elimination from the body.

In contact with

Streptococcal infection is a disease that destroys red blood cells. The cause of its development can be the bacteria themselves, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and viruses, as a complication to which bacterial infection appears. The most dangerous infection for children aged 5 to 15 years, although there is a possibility of infection and an adult. And the main peak of incidence occurs in winter and spring.

Types of infections

Speaking of streptococcal infections, it is worth knowing that this term refers to a whole group of diseases caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. These include scarlet fever, rust, abscesses, boils and phlegmon, as well as wound infection, endocarditis and osteomyelitis. In addition, streptococcal infection can trigger the development of rheumatism and inflammation of the kidney tissue.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

You can become infected with streptococcal infection by airborne droplets and household contact during contact with patients. For example, the main cause of its incidence in early age is close contact with other children in preschool and school institutions.

You can find out about the infection by the appearance of:

• pain in the throat when swallowing;
• mucous discharge from the nose;
• elevated temperature.

In addition, the onset of infection is accompanied by an increase lymph nodes on the neck and the appearance of a purulent film on the tonsils. After some time, pain in the head and stomach, weakness and vomiting may be added to these symptoms - and then it is already required immediate appeal to the doctor.

The diagnosis of "streptococcal infection" is made by the presence of the main symptoms. Sometimes, in order to clarify the nature of the disease and the degree of reaction of the body to it, electrocardiography and urine and blood tests are required. The type of pathogen is determined using bacteriological studies - crops of biomaterial taken from the foci of infection.

Medical treatment

used to treat streptococcal infections antibiotic drugs penicillin series such as ampicillin, benzylpenicillin or bicillin. Streptococci are practically unable to develop resistance against this type of antibiotic. Whereas the use of sulfonamides (for example, co-trimoxazole or sulfadimethoxine) and tetracyclines (doxycycline) are not recommended because of their low effectiveness and the possibility of asymptomatic carriage (the carrier practically does not get sick himself, but is able to infect others).

At the end of the treatment of the infection with antibiotics, the doctor may prescribe drugs to normalize the intestinal microflora - linex and bactisubtil. While coldrex or teraflu, combined with paracetamol, is used only for a short time. Their use first creates the appearance of recovery and may be a reason to refuse further treatment. Although in fact the disease has not receded and exists high risk occurrence of complications.

Toxins are removed from the body by taking up to 3 liters of liquid (tea, fruit drink, juices or just water) during the day. For the same purpose, vitamin C is used, which also strengthens the walls of blood vessels. But when choosing between lozenges for resorption and rinsing, it is better to choose last option treatment, as the pathogens are brought out. In the first case, the bacteria are swallowed and re-enter the body.

Folk ways

For a disease such as streptococcal infection, treatment can also be carried out using methods traditional medicine. Although without drug treatment they are ineffective and should not be used as independent way convalescence. At the very least, doctors do not recommend completely abandoning antibiotics due to the risk of dangerous complications.

Traditional medicine mainly offers various methods to get rid of this type of infection. medicinal infusions. They include berries with big amount vitamins such as raspberries, cranberries and rose hips. Using them, the patient strengthens his immunity and quickly removes toxins from the body. Approximately for this, decoctions of bearberry and lingonberry leaf with a diuretic effect.

A good folk remedy are decoctions of oak or willow bark, chamomile or succession. They have astringent, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and are suitable for both internal and external (lotion or rinse) use.

Before the very recovery, the use of thermal procedures is allowed - for example, baths with brooms and medicinal decoctions. Although it should not be soared for too long. Overheating is just as dangerous for a patient with a streptococcal infection as hypothermia. It can also exacerbate the disease. mechanical impact on the skin. So before going to the bath, it is worth examining the body for the presence of external foci of infection.

Infection prevention

For prevention staph infection necessary:

• compliance with the requirements of personal and public hygiene;
• complete and healthy nutrition
• hardening and morning exercises.

Children, if possible, should play sports at a more serious level, which will help not only against infection, but also for general strengthening organism. And for adults, it is recommended to refuse bad habits, especially from smoking, which reduces natural protective barriers and adversely affects the development of the disease.

If there are patients with streptococcal infection in your environment, they should be isolated from others for the duration of treatment. Also, in order to counteract the spread of the disease, it is not recommended to carry it out on your feet, for example, at work or school.

- a group of diseases, including infections caused by streptococcal flora different types and manifested in the form of damage respiratory tract and skin. Streptococcal infections include streptococcal impetigo, streptoderma, streptococcal vasculitis, rheumatism, glomerulonephritis, erysipelas, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and other diseases. streptococcal infections dangerous propensity to develop post-infectious complications from various bodies and systems. Therefore, diagnosis includes not only the identification of the pathogen, but also instrumental examination cardiovascular, respiratory and urinary systems.

General information

- a group of diseases, including infections caused by streptococcal flora of various species and manifested as damage to the respiratory tract and skin. Streptococcal infections are dangerous with a tendency to develop post-infectious complications from various organs and systems.

Exciter characteristic

Streptococcus is a genus of facultative anaerobic Gram-positive spherical microorganisms resistant to environment. Streptococci are resistant to desiccation; they remain in dried biological materials (sputum, pus) for several months. At a temperature of 60 °C. die after 30 minutes, under the influence of chemical disinfectants- after 15 minutes.

The reservoir and source of streptococcal infection is a carrier of streptococcal bacteria or a person who is sick with one of the forms of infection. The transmission mechanism is aerosol. The causative agent is released by patients when coughing, sneezing, during a conversation. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, so the main sources of infection are people with a primary lesion of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, scarlet fever). At the same time, it is no longer possible to get infected at a distance of more than three meters. In some cases, it is possible to implement alimentary and contact ways transmission (via dirty hands, contaminated food). For group A streptococci, when they enter a favorable nutrient medium some food products(milk, eggs, shellfish, ham, etc.) reproduction and long-term preservation virulent properties.

Probability of occurrence purulent complications when infected with streptococci, it is high in people with burns, wounds, pregnant women, newborns, patients after operations. Group B streptococci commonly cause urinary tract infections and can be transmitted through sexual contact. Newborns often get the infection as a result of infection amniotic fluid and when passing birth canal. The natural susceptibility of a person to streptococcal bacteria is high, the immunity is type-specific and does not prevent infection with streptococci of another species.

Clinical forms of streptococcal infection

The symptoms of streptococcal infections are extremely diverse due to a large number probable localizations of the focus of infection, types of pathogen. In addition, the intensity of clinical manifestations depends on general condition infected organism. Group A streptococci are prone to damage to the upper respiratory tract, hearing aid, skin (streptoderma), this group includes pathogens of scarlet fever and erysipelas.

Diseases that have developed as a result of damage by these microorganisms can be divided into primary and secondary forms. Primary forms represent an inflammatory failure infectious diseases organs that have become the gateway of infection (pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, impetigo, etc.). Secondary forms develop as a result of the inclusion of autoimmune and toxic-septic mechanisms for the development of inflammation in various organs and systems. Secondary forms of streptococcal infections with an autoimmune mechanism of development include rheumatism, glomerulonephritis, and streptococcal vasculitis. Necrotic lesions of soft tissues, meta- and peritonsillar abscesses, streptococcal sepsis are of a toxin-infectious nature.

Rare clinical forms of streptococcal infections: necrotic inflammation of muscles and fascia, enteritis, toxic shock syndrome, focal infectious lesions organs and tissues (for example, soft tissue abscess). Group B streptococci cause the vast majority of infections in newborns, although they occur at any age. This is due to the predominant lesion of the genitourinary tract by this pathogen and infection of newborns intranatally.

Streptococcal infections in newborns manifest as bacteremia (30% of cases), pneumonia (32-35%), and meningitis. In half of the cases, the infection manifests itself clinically in the first day of life. At the same time, streptococcal infections in newborns are extremely difficult, the mortality rate among the sick is about 37%. Meningitis and bacteremia may appear later. In this case, about 10-20% of the sick die, and half of the survivors have developmental disorders.

Group B streptococcal infections are often the cause of postpartum endometritis, cystitis, adnexitis in puerperas and complications in postoperative period during the caesarean section. Streptococcal bacteremia can also be observed in persons with a pronounced weakening of the body's immune properties (the elderly, patients with diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency syndrome, malignant neoplasms). Often, against the background of an ongoing ARVI, streptococcal pneumonia develops. Streptococcus viridans can cause endocarditis and subsequent valvular defects. Streptococci of the mutans group cause tooth decay.

Complications of streptococcal infections are autoimmune and toxicoseptic secondary lesions of organs and systems (rheumatism, glomerulonephritis, necrotic myositis and fasciitis, sepsis, etc.).

Diagnosis of streptococcal infections

Etiological diagnosis of streptococcal infection of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and skin requires bacteriological research with the isolation and identification of the pathogen. An exception is scarlet fever. Since many species of streptococcal bacteria have now acquired some resistance to certain groups of antibiotics, careful microbiological research and performing an antibiotic susceptibility test. Diagnosis, made in sufficient volume, contributes to the choice effective tactics treatment.

Express diagnosis of group A streptococci allows you to identify the pathogen within 15-20 minutes from the moment of taking the analysis without isolation pure culture. However, detection of the presence of streptococci does not always mean that they are etiological factor pathological process, this fact can also speak about the usual carriage. Rheumatism and glomerulonephritis are almost always characterized by an increase in the titer of antibodies to streptococci already from the first days of exacerbation. The titer of antibodies to extracellular antigens is determined using a neutralization reaction. If necessary, an examination of organs affected by streptococcal infection is carried out: examination by an otolaryngologist, radiography of the lungs, ultrasound of the bladder, ECG, etc.

Treatment of streptococcal infections

Depending on the form of streptococcal infection, treatment is carried out by a gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist, pulmonologist or other specialists. Etiological treatment primary clinical forms of streptococcal infections is to prescribe a course of antibiotics of the penicillin series, to which streptococci have quite high sensitivity. If the ineffectiveness of the antibiotic is revealed when it is used for more than five days, the drug is changed. It is desirable to test the culture of the pathogen for sensitivity to drugs of different (erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, oxacillin, etc.) groups in order to more reliably select an antibiotic. Practice shows that tetracycline drugs, gentamicin and kanamycin are ineffective.

Pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment depends on clinical form diseases. If it is necessary to prescribe long courses of antibiotic therapy (with secondary forms of streptococcal infection), long-acting drugs are often prescribed. IN Lately noted positive influence on the course of the disease, the use of human immunoglobulin and immunostimulating agents.

Prevention of streptococcal infections

Prevention of streptococcal infection involves personal hygiene and individual prevention when contacts in a narrow team with persons who have respiratory diseases: wearing a mask, cleaning dishes and surfaces that could get microorganisms, washing hands with soap. General prevention consists in the implementation of systematic control over the health status of teams: preventive examinations in schools and kindergartens, isolation of identified patients, adequate medical measures, detection hidden forms carriage of streptococcal infections and their treatment. To rid the body of pathogens and complete cure WHO recommends the use of penicillins for at least 10 days.

Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of nosocomial infection with streptococcal infection, since infection in a hospital in a patient who is in a weakened state is many times more likely, and the course of infection in such patients is much more severe. Prevention of infection in parturient women and newborns lies in the careful observance of sanitary and hygienic standards and the regimen developed for gynecology departments and maternity hospitals.

streptococci- These are bacteria that live in the bodies of animals, on the skin, in the respiratory system and in the intestines of humans. Many of these microorganisms do not pose a danger to humans, that is, they belong to the saprophytic microflora. However, there are also pathogenic streptococci that cause serious illness, ranging from tonsillitis and streptoderma, ending with meningitis and sepsis. In addition, streptococci play an important etiological role in the development of a number of systemic ailments - rheumatism, glomerulonephritis, endocarditis, etc.

Diseases caused by streptococci

All streptococci are divided into four groups (depending on biochemical, biological and other properties):

• Alpha hemolytic.
• Beta-hemolytic (A, B, C).
• Gamma hemolytic.
• Non-hemolytic.

Non-hemolytic streptococci they are not dangerous for humans - they do not cause any diseases, which cannot be said about their hemolytic relatives.

So, alpha hemolytic streptococci are the cause of the development infective endocarditis(inflammation of the inner lining of the heart and damage to the heart valves), purulent periodontitis(inflammation connective tissue surrounding the root of the tooth), and when penetrating into the internal organs - abscesses in the internal organs. In addition, microorganisms of this group play a leading role in the occurrence of caries.

- the most pathogenic among all streptococci. It is with them that the development of the following diseases is associated:

And finally gamma hemolytic streptococci in most cases, they are saprophytic (normal) microflora of the intestines and upper respiratory tract, which, under certain conditions, can still cause infections of the urinary system, wounds, and septic endocarditis.

How does streptococcus infection occur?

Sources of pathogenic streptococci are sick people and healthy carriers. Infection occurs mainly by airborne droplets and household contact (through common dishes, dirty hands, patient care items, etc.) ways. In this case, the pathogen enters the body through the respiratory tract, less often through damage to the skin, as well as umbilical wound in newborn babies.

After colonization in the primary focus, streptococci begin to actively secrete enzyme substances, thanks to which microbial cells manage to penetrate into the blood and lymph. In addition, streptococci in the process of life produce toxins, due to which patients develop a pronounced intoxication syndrome and other signs of the disease.

In addition to the ways of infection with streptococcus described above, autoinfection is also possible. For example, when streptococci enter the bloodstream from abscesses on the skin when they are unsuccessfully squeezed out, from purulent foci in oral cavity at dental procedures, as well as from the nasopharynx when removed palatine tonsils or adenoids. In this way, microorganisms spread to the internal organs and cause development there. purulent processes.

And here systemic diseases, provoked by streptococci, arise not so much because of infection, but because of the allergization of the body. Antibodies to streptococci produced by the system are able to attack their own tissues in the joints, kidneys, and heart. Therefore, when these microorganisms are present in the human body for a long time or re-enter it, due to a hyperimmune reaction, damage to the tissues of these internal organs.

Symptoms of the most common streptococcal diseases

In childhood, streptococcal infection most often occurs in the form of scarlet fever, and in adults - tonsillitis. If you do not start taking antibiotics in a timely manner for these diseases and allow long-term persistence of streptococcus in the body, rheumatism, endocarditis, arthritis and glomerulonephritis may develop.

Manifested streptococcal angina the following symptoms:

• A sharp jump in body temperature to high numbers (39 degrees and above).
• Weakness, chills.
• Aches in the joints.
• An increase in the palatine tonsils (they seem to swell and become covered first with small pustules, and over time with yellowish purulent deposits).
• Enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

In addition to the defeat of the tonsils and internal organs (purulent processes in them do not have symptoms characteristic of a streptococcal infection), streptococci cause specific diseases of the skin:

Streptococcus in children

For newborns and infants streptococcal infection is great danger. They develop skin diseases (impetigo, ecthyma vulgaris), as well as very severe meningitis and sepsis, due to infection with streptococcus from their mother in utero or during childbirth. In order to prevent infection of newborns, all pregnant women are examined for streptococcus in the last trimester, risk factors are assessed (sowing of pathogenic streptococci from urine during pregnancy, the presence of neonatal streptococcal infection in previously born children, etc.) and, if necessary, prophylactic antibiotic therapy is carried out.

In children after a year, streptococcal infection most often manifests itself in the form of scarlet fever.

The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

• Rash, after its disappearance, the skin is very flaky.
• Angina.
• "Raspberry" language.
• Heat.

This disease is in the background antibiotic therapy almost always ends full recovery for 7-10 days. Subsequently, the ingestion of pathogenic streptococci leads to the development of angina, while repeated cases of scarlet fever are very rare.

Most diseases caused by streptococci are diagnosed by doctors on a specific basis. clinical picture(this applies to scarlet fever, tonsillitis, erysipelas, streptoderma). To confirm the diagnosis, an analysis is carried out for streptococcus (smears are taken from the surface of the tonsils, inflamed lesions on the skin, sow urine, pus, blood, etc.). For more rapid diagnosis Streptococcal infections have recently been increasingly used modern rapid tests.

Treatment of streptococcal infection

The main and mandatory component of antistreptococcal treatment is . It allows you to eliminate the infection much faster and prevent the development of complications from the heart, kidneys and other organs. In the case of angina and scarlet fever, no local antiseptics cannot replace antibiotics. Choice of specific antibacterial agent for the treatment of these diseases is determined by the sensitivity of microorganisms. And since all streptococci are sensitive to penicillins, in case of streptococcal infection, drugs of this group are primarily used, and as an alternative - cephalosporins, macrolides.

At skin diseases caused by streptococcus, the appropriateness of systemic antibiotic therapy is determined by the doctor individually. However, erysipelas and prolonged streptoderma with a common character inflammatory process is always an indication for antibiotics.

Treatment folk remedies with streptococcal infection, it can also be used, but only as an auxiliary. In particular, infusions are considered effective. medicinal herbs(oak bark, chamomile, succession). They are recommended for gargling and treating affected skin. In addition, you can prepare rosehip decoctions, cranberry fruit drinks and take them inside. These drinks contain many

Streptococcus is a family of bacteria that are found in the human or animal body: on the surface skin and within various organs. The presence of these microorganisms is usually not dangerous and, as a rule, such streptococci belong to the saprophytic group.

But if an anaerobic streptococcal pathogenic group has settled in the body, then a person may develop a chronic streptococcal infection, which will be very difficult to get rid of. Absence good immunity in this case, it will all the time stimulate the development of inflammation, while causing diseases such as rheumatism, endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, meningitis, sepsis and other diseases.

IN medical practice more than 40 species of these microorganisms share, depending on the presence of a certain level of polysaccharides in the structure of their shell, streptococci are assigned a subspecies from "A" to "V". Group A is considered the most dangerous for a person, which in turn is divided into types:

• alpha-hemolytic - cause the development of inflammatory and purulent processes in the human body, and also contribute to the formation of abscesses and caries.
• beta-hemolytic - are the cause of sepsis, purulent-inflammatory processes, meningitis, erysipelas and etc.
• gamma-hemolytic - live mainly in the intestines and respiratory tract and do not pose a danger, but under certain conditions cause infection of the genitourinary system and septic endocarditis.

There is a term "acute streptococcal infection", which refers to a group of diseases caused by alpha- and beta-hemolytic streptococci, one of which is parauberis streptococcus. The main action of these microorganisms is the property of destroying red blood cells and provoking a number of diseases, the causes of which have not previously been found in humans.

Streptococci are dangerous not only for their presence and pathogenic effects, but also because of the ease of infection. by airborne droplets. Streptococcal infection comes from healthy people also through direct contact with an infected person and through general subjects life. But still up to 97% harmful microorganisms transmitted through the air and develops in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

The cause of streptococcal infection and the development of any disease caused by this bacterium is a focal inflammatory, purulent or necrotic process in the place where microorganisms settle. And if in question streptococcus of the genital organs, then with 100% probability we can say about the presence of inflammation of the genitourinary system.

In this case, symptoms such as burning and soreness during urination, pulling and cutting pains in the pelvic area, discharge of a yellowish tint with bloody patches, menstrual irregularities.

Streptococcus in bladder can be transmitted both sexually and through common hygiene items, for example, a towel, someone else's underwear, thanks to unsanitary conditions in public places.

Purulent streptococcus, multiplying, secretes enzymes and toxins that penetrate into the blood, and spreads throughout the body, causing the following signs streptococcal infection:

1. increase in body temperature.
2. inflammation of the lymph nodes.
3. headache.
4. disturbed consciousness.
5. vomiting.

An allergic syndrome, the causes of which are the body's reaction to the substances that make up the shell of streptococcus, can also be attributed to the symptoms of an infection, since with the active production of toxins by these microorganisms, organs such as the kidneys, joints and heart are often damaged.

Because the disease is highly contagious and often passes into chronic, then it is possible to re-infect with streptococcus from oneself due to a poorly treated previous infection. The only exception can be scarlet fever, since the enzyme produced by the body against group A streptococcus toxins is a powerful defense against penetration reinfection. But, unfortunately, other diseases caused by the A-group of streptococci do not have this feature.

Diagnosis of streptococcal infection

It is possible to detect the presence of streptococcus in the body at a hospital appointment with the doctor whose field of activity includes the main symptoms: pediatrician, otolaryngologist, gynecologist, dermatologist, surgeon, etc. As a rule, before determining the infection and the causes of its occurrence, the doctor initially examines existing symptoms, their duration and general characteristics the patient's health status, which helps to determine streptococcus or other causes that provoked the development of the disease.

An analysis for streptococcus is also prescribed so that conflicting sources of the formation of the disease can be diagnosed, namely:

• streptococcal angina is very similar to diphtheria and mononucleosis;
• scarlet fever does not outwardly differ from rubella;
• erysipelas is similar to common dermatitis.

Therefore, an analysis for streptococcal infection will determine the obvious pathogen and help to correct effective treatment not the symptoms, but the cause of the infection.

Depending on the location of the focus of inflammation, the patient must undergo a series of tests, which include:

1. General analysis of blood and urine.
2. X-ray of the respiratory tract and lungs.
3. Electrocardiogram.
4. Tank culture of sputum from mucous membranes.
5. A smear from the affected mucous membranes.
6. Scraping of inflamed areas of the skin.

Moreover, for all patients in a row who are suspected of developing a staphylococcal infection, all of the above tests are not necessary, the doctor individually selects the necessary combination.

Treatment

Treat streptococci with antibiotics penicillin group, as microorganisms are not able to acquire resistance to these drugs. If the disease has allergic manifestation, then the treatment is supplemented with erythromycin drugs, as well as drugs that restore the work of the intestines, liver and kidneys.

However, if tetracycline and doxycycline, which are considered effective, are used to treat only symptoms antimicrobials, then the patient will not go to recovery, and during the period of taking medications he will be a carrier of a staphylococcal infection.

Therefore, visiting a doctor and timely testing is very important, otherwise you risk not only provoking the development of a chronic form of streptococcal infection in your own body, but also infecting others, including children, who are the most susceptible to infection. Also, mouthwashes will not help to destroy streptococci (although many recommend them), since the location of microorganisms is not only on the surface of the oral mucosa, but also deep inside, where antibacterial rinse is not able to penetrate.

Also, the basis of treatment will include the active removal of toxins and other harmful waste products of streptococci. To do this, use the standard practice:

• drink about 3 liters of fluid every day;
• take vitamin C;
• periodically take medicines containing paracetamol.

Treatment of streptococcus in gynecology is prescribed based on the results of a bacteriological smear, since this study is aimed at studying reactions various antibiotics for the destruction of streptococcal microorganisms. Therefore, the analysis will indicate the most effective drug.

Prevention

As a rule, streptococcus can only be contracted from a carrier of the infection. The disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, therefore, if you notice a person in your environment who outward signs unwell, then close contact with him must be stopped. Also, the basis of prevention from streptococcus includes careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene. To prevent inflammation of the genitourinary system during intercourse with an infected partner, it is necessary to use condoms, and then take a shower every time.

And the most important thing to always remember is that symptoms are not the root cause of the disease, so tonsillitis or scarlet fever can only be the “tip of the iceberg”. But supporting active image life, eating right and staying in good location spirit, you can form a strong immunity that can suppress a streptococcal infection.